CDC investigates tap water as cause of GHS infection

The Center for Disease Control has turned its focus to tap water as the possible source of mycobacterium that infected patients at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

The infection, which the hospital said has been found in 15 patients and is linked to several deaths, was initially believed to be linked to a piece of equipment that has since been removed.

The CDC said they would not be surprised to find mycobacteria in tap water, however, the investigation team is still looking at other factors such as hand hygiene, surgical scrubs and injectable medicines.

Three patients have died and doctors think the infection was a contributing factor.

The CDC said the mycobacteria would not likely cause illness if it was ingested by a healthy person because it would be killed by the immune system.